Switching from cakes and biscuits to eating fruit
The Basics
Cakes and biscuits… usually these are eaten in between or at the end of meals – so they are ‘extra snacks’. Within a healthy balanced diet – and to help weight loss – snacking is a good. However the right snacks (or the wrong snacks) can make a big difference.
“Be prepared – and have the courage to say no”, says Todd, a registered nutritionist.
“Always carry with you a small bag of dried fruit (try the kids lunch box packets) and be strong willed when offered biscuits / cakes in the office. Saying you’re watching your weight will show that you’re not snubbing them!”
“If you want something sweet at the end of a meal try a low calorie hot chocolate drink”.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
- “Sugar helps you lose weight”. Allowing sugar on a low-fat diet can make it more enjoyable and therefore easier to stick to. However, it is still very important not to consume too much sugar if you want to lose weight.
Tips and Tricks
- Switching to ‘ready-to-eat’ dried fruit as a replacement for cakes and biscuits is a good place to start as this is actually quite sweet and filling – there are many varieties of dried fruit available at supermarkets and health food shops.
- Apples, pears, bananas, and oranges are old favourites, but try some fruits you may be less familiar with such as kiwi, mango, pineapple or papaya – especially as a mixed fruit salad.
- Ripe fruits are much sweeter than if they are eaten when still hard. Buy fruit several days in advance of eating it to give it time to ripen – perhaps you could keep 2 bowls topped up with fruit, one for ripe fruit and the other for ripening-in-waiting!
- Fruits in season are also much sweeter e.g. nectarines, strawberries, plums. Ask your work canteen to stock some good quality prominently displayed fruits
Shop within a couple of hours of eating – your resistance to cakes, biscuits, etc will be non-existent if you wander those aisles on an empty stomach.